July Focus- Sovereignty

Sovereignty -supreme power or authorityBoundary– a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line. a limit of a subject or sphere of activity.

Sutra 1:16The highest level of non-attachment, leading to self-realization, takes place when the aspirant is free from all forms of desire, including the desires resulting from the interplay of sattvic, rajasic and tamasic forces of nature. (The Secret of the Yoga Sutra Samadhi Pada, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD)

The other day, I was working with a person who had said they felt gripped while talking with someone. And preceded to say, I have difficulties with boundaries. So, we discussed how to create boundaries, but in hindsight what we were really discussing was how do we keep our power or authority in difficult situations.

I see this happen when there is an addiction, we talk about having boundaries to state that we don’t want to drink or use but boundaries limit us. In actuality, the addiction limits our full potential of rising above an attachment to be something great-our joyous, luminous being. Let us change our need of boundaries to a desire of finding our center, power and inner authority.

Boundaries are needed when our center is off. In our practice of seated contemplation and pranayama, we work with the aspect of the mind that keeps us from our true self. Often this is fear of being alone, fear of looking at what has happened in our lives, fear of the addiction that we possess, fear of the voice panel that says we are no good or that we will not reach our goals or dharma, etc. This is why there is eight limbs to our practice, we practice each limb all of the time in every moment of our life, sleeping or awake. To have a boundary between me and another person, moves away from my personal practice that believes we were all created in the essence of God. God to me is an omnipresence that has created babies with complete love and joy, Atma is when I get the goose bumps when someone shares a heart to heart with me, I see my husband walking down the street, I share a hug with a friend, I sit for meditation and feel connection to everything. Your God may look different than mine, this is okay.

To be receptive to this greatness, I need to be in my center, my own sovereignty. I can voice what I want and how I want something without fear. I can listen to someone else’s observations or disagreements without feeling judged or judging. In my sovereignty, I can still evolve and become one with the highest good. If I block myself off, from sharing love or receiving love then I minimize my ability to evolve into this greatness of God. I feel this walking down the street when no one makes eye contact with me. Eventually when I stop for the no walk sign, someone sees me and we smile at each other.Inwardly I know we shared a moment however small and I give thanks for this precious connection. If I had kept my guard up, this moment would not have happened.

Many people want limits or a fence around their property but this does not help us find our own center. Many of these projects take a lot of energy or manual labor, which may feed our affliction of ignorance that says we are not connected. But as humans we have the ability to evolve and feel the presence of God at all times, within one another. I want to evolve, to create, and to reach my highest potential.

In asana class, we move to shake up these things that grip us from growing, I think of it as unlatching the gates of chakras (energy wheels) that sit within us. These are the internal limitations we have set upon ourselves. After movement, then we sit in contemplation to observe the thoughts that arose during the practice; we watch like a parade. They come floating across our minds eye and we feel the emotion associated with these thoughts and we decide to face them or to let them pass and watch them again on another day. Acknowledging our limitations are what free us, ignoring a limitation is what binds us. If we face them, we absorb the information needed to assist us to evolve, it is digested and we transform. And then we can eliminate the information that we no longer need.

This July for our practice of Self power or sovereignty; during your next time of seated contemplation, ask yourself, “Self, where is the boundary that keeps me from shining through and being my most auspicious self?” And take time to listen to your body and what this amazing entity is expressing to you. Find your center, so you can be comfortable in your own body, with your own imperfections and your perfections.

This class is a unique opportunity to learn how to elevate your consciousness through an exploration of pranayama (breath control) and meditation. Restore and release stress in the body through the gentle opening of restorative yoga poses using props. Enjoy the rejuvenating journey into the more subtle energies of your being. All levels are welcome from beginners to advanced. A great add-on to the 9:30am class, your morning workout, or run.

Gentle Yoga

Gentle Yoga

A gently paced class that instills comfort and strength to explore a blossoming practice. This is a perfect class for new students regardless of age, yogis who are returning to the mat after a period of absence, as well as pregnant women. Great for any student looking for a gentle, contemplative practice and an opportunity to “stretch out” in the pose.

Yoga Remix

Yoga Remix

Get ready for the weekend with this faster paced All Levels vinyasa class set to an ecclectic playlist that includes everything from Pop to Hip Hop. RE-MIX!

Mommy & Baby Yoga

Mommy & Baby Yoga

Childbirth is one of the most beautiful things a woman’s body and mind will experience in her life, but it is also one of the most difficult.

Yoga is the journey back to your innermost self; that perfect light that holds the deepest love for your new baby.
Our 4-week Mommy & Baby series will not only focus the mind and release tension, but it will also increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the body. We’ll offer poses that enhance bonding, trust, and exploration with your baby. This class will also help create a yogic rhythm with your baby, staying fully present in each joyous moment. Moms can expect to strengthen the abdomen and regain control of their body, meet other new moms, and become a part of the blossoming yoga community in a calming, welcoming, and loving space. Ages 6 weeks-10 months (preferably non-walking)

Transform, transcend and be inspired. Enjoy this candlelit class with live acoustic music by Monica Ott. Monica provides an unforgettable focus, drawing you into the present and onto your mat while Shayna guides you through an uplifting, heart opening asana practice. This class will allow you to ground, connect and rejuvenate.

Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal Yoga

This class is designed to help prepare the body and mind for labor, birth, and motherhood. Learn to relax through mental centering and focused breathing to benefit both mom and baby. Postures are carefully chosen to be safe and supportive and help you more easily adapt to the physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. Through these classes, you will deepen the everlasting bond between you and your baby and celebrate motherhood with other women in the community.

Beat the heat and join Courtnay for an early morning yoga practice that will energize your body, awaken your mind, and prepare you for your day. Practicing yoga in the morning helps increase circulation and warms up stiff muscles after a long night of rest. Ditch your cup of coffee and invigorate your spirit with a natural dose of caffeine.

Open Meditation

Open Meditation

A guided meditation practice that will introduce you to various techniques that are easily accessible to the everyday yogi. Experience greater health and increased internal peace. Develop a regular meditation practice and witness the progress you make on and off the mat.

Level II-III

All Levels Live Music

Level II/III Classes will include more intermediate and advanced postures and variations such as arm balances, inversions, and backbends. These classes are a time to play with your practice, increase strength and flexibility, and discover new ways to move your body and mind.

Level I

Level I

A moderate paced class with a focus on deepening basic poses. In Level 1 class we string flowing movement throughout the practice and introduce creative transitions between poses. Perfect for a student with little or no experience.

Level I

Yoga Basics

New to Yoga? Learn basic poses with a focus on aligning the body and connecting each movement to the breath. This class is a practical introduction to the yoga practice. It is a slow vinyasa sequence that includes the essentials, from sun salutations and standing poses, through simple inversions, relaxation, and meditation.

All Levels

All Levels

This multi-level class is recommended for experienced practitioners as well as newer students with a sense of adventure! Following the teacher’s cues, you’ll get to work at your own pace. Each class will include flowing sequences, hands-on assists, relaxation and meditation. Posture variations will be provided for all levels of practice. Newer students should be advised that there may not be detailed how-to descriptions; for that we recommend taking a Basic or Level I Class.